Frederick Douglass

I, Frederick Douglass propose to abolish slavery. I strongly believe in the equality of all people, and, as should you. I want to better the lives of American Americans all of America. I hate the way slaveowners encourage their workers to drink themselves wild during Christmas holidays. Alcohol, in my opinion, is used to humiliate slaves.
I have written an autobiography about my life as a slave, and wish that you read it. It will open your eyes as to how slavery should be abolished. As a black man, it was very hard to do this and it instantly became a bestseller. I am also fighting for the rights of women. I died of a heart attack, on February 20th, 1895.

  • My mark on society was not left until a after the Civil War, during Abe Lincoln's presidency. Since he was the one who mainly supported me.

Goals

My main goal was to abolish slavery.

Accomplishments

At age 23, I stood at the podium, nervous as can be. In front of me, sat abolitonists who had traveled here for my speech. After finally overcoming my nervousness, I spoke of my life as a slave, and the hardships I had to overcome. After this speech, I continued giving speeches and became a leading spokesperson for the abolition of slavery and race equality.

Also, as stated earlier, I wrote an autobiography, which was was a difficult task. Many people questioned whether a black man could write such a thing. However, it became a bestseller and within three years, sold 11,000 copies. It was also translated into French and Dutch and was sold in Europe.

President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863, declared the freedom of all
slaves in Confederate-held territory.

Slavery was outlawed everywhere by the 13th ammendment. The 14th ammendment provided citizenship and equal protection under the law. Last, the 15th ammendment protecting all citizens from discrimination in voting due to race.

Practicality

The practicality of my methods were good. I was a very successful spokesperson and traveled all over America in hopes to get through to people about the abolition of slavery. For nearly two years, I traveled throughout Britian, speaking to various, enthusiastic crowds. I also participated in the Hundred Conventions project, the American Anti-Slavery Society's six month tour of meeting halls throughout the west.

Federal Support

My federal support mostly came from the people I spoke out to, and Abe Lincoln. The president allowed northern slaves to be recruited into the Union Army. Also, thanks to Abe Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation, all slaves were declared freedom in a Confederate-held territory, and because of this, the other 3 ammendments were possible.


Works Cited

"Biography of Frederick Douglass-Champion of Civil and Women's Rights." Frederick Douglass Speeches-Seminars on Race Relations and Gender Equity. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. <http://www.frederickdouglass.org/douglass_bio.html>.

"Frederick Douglass." PBS. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1539.html.

"Frederick Douglass." Rochester History Resources. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/douglass/home.html.